Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood as the name suggests is everything they say they are. Considered to be the best place for seafood lovers, everything is procured fresh daily from local farmers and fishermen. Dishes are made as per order, fish is filleted everyday and there is no frozen seafood in-house. Vegetarians have a few options such as Shroom Sandwich and Southern Caprese. The fresh catch can be grilled, fried, sauteed or blackened as per your liking. Savor their popular dishes like Po' Boys, Eggplant Rollatini, Siesta Key Rum-glazed Calamari, Duval's Seafood Sampler and Ocean Cobb. Round off with decadent desserts such as Gingersnap Apple Crisp and Chocolate Bombs. They even have a separate kids menu. Enjoy happy hours with a rotating list of wines or delightful cocktails. Reservations are recommended.
The Pangea Lounge has been representing the nightlife of Sarasota since 2010. With a quirky interior, dim lights and comfy seating spaces, the lounge creates a perfect setting for date nights. There's music playing in the background, and cocktails add that extra zest to your evenings here. Pangea has an inventive menu of concoctions that look dramatic, and their taste does complete justice to their appearance. Apart from classic drinks, Pangea's 'spirited snack' section is sure to catch your attention on the menu. Milk infused with liqueurs and served with a side of cereals define these cocktails that take your childhood breakfast favorites to a new 'high'.
The Bijou Cafe is a revered culinary institution of the city since 1986. Elegance oozes through every inch of its interior that's illuminated in yellow lights and furnished to perfection. They also have a patio with limited seats, it's perfect for smaller groups or for couples. French dishes take center stage at The Bijou Cafe with Crab Bisque, the signature house salad and the steak frites making ideal lunch orders. For dinner, one should try their Bouillabaisse, Roast Duckling or the Lamb Shank. There are impressive wines on offer, and you can rely on your severs for suggestions over wine pairings. The Bijou Cafe is also a preferred venue for several private events.
The Hub Baja Grill is a shack-style eatery offering indoor and outdoor seating options, serving a good blend of Tex-Mex, classic American, and Mexican dishes. Even though the exteriors are designed to look like a beachside shack, the interiors are pretty charming featuring vibrant colors, wall hangings, high ceilings and suspended lights. Some of the specialties include the Pollo Quesadillas, Baja Nights Chicken Sandwich, Lobster Tacos and the Chicken Chimichanga. The restaurant has a full bar stocked with local pours that go extremely well with the starters.
Located inside the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Jack Dusty is a great spot for an evening of drinks and seafood bliss. As you enter this restaurant, you are sure to be astonished by the display of coastal delights at the raw bar. Indulge yourself in some oysters or clams, and then move on to quench your thirst with potent cocktails. For the main course, dishes like Whole Fried Snapper, Grilled Maine Lobster, and the shrimp & grits are must for seafood connoisseurs here. Offering unprecedented views of the marina, the terrace at Jack Dusty is a perfect spot to soak in the best this city has to offer with a glass of wine for company.
Shamrock Pub is an affable neighborhood bar with an old-worldly charm to it. It is one of the best places in town to sip a beer or an Irish drink. Their bar features a curated list of over 70 craft beers which includes bottled and can varieties as well as on tap. It also hosts regular jam sessions, making it even more a livelier place to be in. Please bring cash along as credit cards are not accepted.
Engine No9 is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. Located on St Pete strip, this bar by talented owner and executive chef Jason Esposito is a great place to catch the live game when in the Tampa Bay Area. Every table has a television screen, and hockey is a favorite of the Esposito family with two generations professionally into the sport. Grab a chilled draft from among 60 domestic, international and tap brews. The upscale American fare features typical favorites like Chili Dog, Bacon Cheeseburger and Tex Mex Melt, with the inclusion gourmet burgers like The Heart Attack and One Bad Pig.
Saint Petersburg brings on the elegance with Rococo Steak, one of the best steakhouses in the city. The decor is one of sophistication, with plush carpets, unique chandeliers hanging from the ceilings and art on the walls. The menu offers impressive choices of different meats, with chicken, seafood and steaks as the featured items. Try the corn fed filet mignon with a side of caramelized broccoli or the wood grilled duck breast accompanied with the Anaheim creamed corn. There is a full bar offered, so indulge yourself in a variety of wine and cocktails, the perfect way to end the night.